Today

Today, I woke up to the sound of James hacking up a lung. He's caught the hellacious cold I had last week, evidently. Given that I was woken up two hours before I actually needed to be awake, I wasn't exactly a happy camper. But then I remembered that today was Friday, and once today was over, I would be on Thanksgiving break.

Today, I went to preschool and helped transform my class into nine pilgrim boys and girls. We then trooped happily to the church fellowship hall and had a Thanksgiving Feast with the three year old turkeys and two year old Indians. A good time was had by all.

Today, I came home from school to find James feeling moderately better. He was feeling well enough to start on the approximately 87 loads of laundry that had piled up over the course of the week. As I as printing off a coupon for some Christmas shopping, I heard a high pitched whine coming from the washing nmachine, followed by a loud *THUNK*. It then sounded like we were attempting to wash 1000 nuts, bolts and screws rather than some towels. As the washer was still running, I asked James to take a look at things when the load was done.

Today, I left the house confident that my man would fix whatever was wrong while I went Christmas shopping for the girlies. Armed with a 30% off my entire purchase coupon and knowing exactly what was on sale, I proceeded to save almost $100. With the exception of stocking stuffers, my shopping for the girls is now DONE. GO me.

Today, I decided that after working so hard, I deserved a treat. So I made my way over to the nail salon where I let the nice ladies take care of my cracked heels, ragged cuticles and overgrown eyebrows. I even let the lady talk me out of my normal french manicure in favor of a very pretty dark red.

Today, I came home to fond out that the washer is caput. Bummer. Given that we bought it used for $75 almost six years ago (and it had been used by it's previous owner for over 5 years) we figured we'd got our money out of it. I remembered that we'd received a $25 coupon in the mail from Lowe's a few days earlier. I hopped online and found a decent washer that was on sale and in stock. We decided that we really didn't want to wait to find a decent used washer in the paper (remember those 87 loads of laundry? We had clean towels, but the underwear supply was running dangerously low.) Presto change-o, the old washer is out and the new washer is in. It's a bit loud, but I figure I'll be able to hear when it's all done.

Today, I was busy and spent a lot of money. But we'll have clean clothes again, presents under the Christmas tree and my eyebrows aren't a source of shame for the family anymore.

I call today a success.

Things Remembered

There are a lot of things I don't really do anymore now that I teach preschool five days a week.

I used to scrapbook almost daily. Scrapbooking was my main hobby for almost 15 years. I really enjoyed it, and I'm proud of the work I did. But I can't remember the last time I scrapped. Maybe two years ago?? Along that same line I used to make handmade cards. I'd give them as gifts or use them for Christmas. I haven't made my own Christmas cards since 2007-ish??

I used to love to cook and bake. I loved getting a new cookbook and working my way through the recipes that sounded good. Although I still love to read a new cookbook, these days I tend stick to our tried-and-true favorite recipes, and if I need something new I consult The Pioneer Woman or Nigella, who never let me down.

I used to blog more often. I've been blogging since 2004, and I rarely let a day go by without posting *something*. I don't stay up as late as I used to. I don't go out with friends as often. I don't play as many board games as I used to.

Some of this can be attributed to the fact that the girls are getting older. They have lives outside of the house, and I'm not the only one setting their agenda for the day.

Most of my creative energy goes into preschool. It takes a lot of planning to come up with crafts and activities for nine 4 year olds! The time I used to spend making Christmas cards is now spent helping my kids make presents for their parents.

The thing is, I like my work, even if it has taken the place of some of the things I used to do. A few years ago we had a new family move into our ward (they are gone now, and I don't even remember their name, so I don't feel bad about telling this story). I was talking to the husband one Wednesday night at church and I mentioned that I waught preschool. He said something along the lines of how glad he was his wife didn't have to work outside the home, because his job provided enough for the family. Bless his heart, I don't think he realized just how offensive that was. Not only was that a slam against me, but it was also a slam against James, insinuating that he wasn't a "good" provider if I worked outside our home. Stupid man. ;)

I choose to teach preschool. It fulfills me in the same ways those hobbies used to. Sure, teaching here in Albany takes up more of my time that teaching in Tifton did, and sometimes I wish I had more time to spend being creative *for me* or puttering in the kitchen, but I'm okay with that.

Most of the time.

This is all just a long way of saying I roasted a chicken with veggies and made homemade bread when I got home from school today, and it felt nice to be my "old self" for a few hours. Tomorrow it's back to Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup for dinner while I read a book. ;)

I wish it was raining today so I could title this post "November Rain"

Sadly, that awesome title will have to wait for another (non sunny) day.

I think our Indian Summer might have finally left south Georgia this weekend. There were days last week when it was in the mid-90's with crazy high humidity. How insane is *that*?? It about killed me. Today the high is only 81, and the low tonight will be in the mid-50's. This weather is bearable, but I'd prefer some high in the low 70's, maybe high 60's?? Is that too much to ask, Mother Nature??

I don't like to brag, but the girls looked pretty awesome for Halloween this year. You don't believe me?









A friend of mine gave me some clothes her daughters had outgrown. When I saw these dresses (which I knew the girls would never really be able to wear anywhere else) I immediatly thought of Halloween.

Madeline decided to be a 'Snow Queen' and Isabella decided to be an 'Undead Beauty Queen'. She wanted me to attach knife to her dress so it would look like she had been stabbed, but I thought that might be going a little too far. James took the girls around while I stayed home and handed out candy with Gertrude.



We have enough leftover candy to feed a third world country. It's not that I bought too much, it's that we were light on Trick-or-Treaters this year. James' crew at work will appreciate some of the leftovers, I'm sure.

So it's on to November. Three weeks until Thanksgiving holidays. Oh crap, I just remembered we have to pay our car registration this month. Why is your birthday so close to the holidays Jaws, why??

Speaking of Jaws, we've been asked to team teach the CTR 7 class at church. HAH! Can you believe that?? These are the kiddos getting ready for baptism! We're responsibe for making sure they know what they are getting into. ;) Who thought it was a good idea to let us teach that class??

Also speaking of Jaws, he just walked in the door, so it's time to eat some dinner.